Systems and methods for improving workflow efficiency and for electronic record population

ABSTRACT

Server and client methods and systems for improving efficiency, accuracy and speed for inputting data from a variety of sources into an electronic form in a continuously streaming manner. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to client/server system and methods for continuous streaming and scrolling of re-organized forms to improve speed, accuracy and efficiency of electronic form population.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/311,543, filed on Mar. 22, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates in general to systems and methods forincreasing workflow efficiency and improving electronic recordspopulation. More specifically, the present disclosure relates toclient/server systems and methods for increasing workflow efficiency andimproving electronic records population in a data gathering and dataentry field utilizing continuous workflow input algorithms and loadbalancing between networked devices.

BACKGROUND

The size and amount of data collected, maintained, and input continuesto grow and expand exponentially as more and more records are maintainedin electronic format. Records may include health records, applicationdata, such as for insurance purposes; financial data; property records;or any other type of stored electronic data.

Electronically stored data may be input directly as scanned documents ormay be input into databases or electronic forms. Such data may need tobe maintained in its original native format and may also need to becompiled into a form or electronic record, such as a life insuranceapplication or underwriting policy. Input data may be gathered from asingle source in a single format or may need to be gathered from anumber of disparate sources in different formats. Data may include butis not limited to medical test results, question and answer forms, andpublicly available records. A problem occurs when trying to input thisdisparate data into a single form in a timely and efficient mannerbecause a single operator may need to be pulled from task to task orentry screen to entry screen to complete a single record. For example, arecord comprising medical information may require the input operator toswitch from one data entry form or source to another depending on theformat and type of data being entered. Such switching and transitioningfrom task to task creates work flow inefficiency which results inerrors, slower then acceptable data entry times, and expertiseinefficiencies. Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method thatallows for increased accuracy, workflow improvement and expertise in thepopulation of electronic forms in a continuous manner.

Additionally, gathered information may need to be entered and compiledinto a single form. The information may be of such volume that the formsize exceeds the operators display screen size. To enter the data, theoperator has to enter data on the visible screen and then scroll up ordown on the form or from left to right on the form to enter theremaining data. In forms that are very large, the additional scrollingand manual movement of the form causes input inefficiencies, errors, andloss of productivity. Accordingly, a need exists for a system and methodthat allows for increased efficiency and workflow improvement in thepopulation of electronic forms by allowing for continuous input withoutinterruption.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the input of data ona continuous streaming and scrolling form cannot be performed by a humanand is not something that existed prior to computer implementation. Itis not possible for a human operator using a pen and a paper form toinput and complete fields in a continuous scrolling manner withoutstopping the form to complete the fields in a discrete manner. Datainput in a paper form is a series of discrete tasks performed insequence. It is not a continuous streaming flow of data input.

SUMMARY

Methods and systems of the present disclosure include a method forincreasing data input and efficiency in a client/server networkcomprising: receiving, via an input device coupled to a processorrunning an application, a memory, and a display with a display area, aselection of an electronic form comprising a plurality of input fields,from an electronic form repository; loading, the electronic form into avolatile memory of the client server network; determining, via theapplication running on the processor, that the electronic form has anassociated viewable area that is larger than the display area;automatically segmenting, via the processor, the selected electronicform into a series of segments corresponding in size to the displayarea; streaming to the display of the input device from the volatilememory, the series of segments of the electronic form in a continuousstream; receiving inputs associated with the plurality of input fieldsduring the streaming utilizing the input device; after receiving theinputs associated with the plurality of input fields, continuouslystoring the inputs associated with the plurality of input fields as partof the electronic form in the volatile memory; and saving the storedinputs as part of the electronic form once the series of segments of theelectronic form have been streamed and the receipt of inputs for theplurality of input fields is complete.

In an embodiment, the streaming form appears to be moving in ahorizontal direction. In another embodiment, the streaming form appearsto be moving in a vertical direction. In another embodiment thereorganizing of the portions being streamed in an order based on acriteria. In another embodiment the rate of streaming increases ordecreases based on the inputting. In an embodiment, an electronic recordor form on a screen moves horizontally in a continuous manner so that auser can complete the fields of the form or input information much likean object on an assembly line. In an embodiment, the record or form willbe loaded into volatile memory and will proceed to be displayed to anoperator at a predetermined rate such that the operator will attempt toinput data at the prescribed rate. In an embodiment, the horizontalmovement will be dictated by the input of data, ensuring complete dataentry before any automatic movement. In an embodiment, the displayscreen may preview the upcoming document or may place the currentworking document in context among several other displayed documents. Inan embodiment, the scrolling document will maintain a constant pacewhile in another embodiment, the document will attempt to scroll at anever increasing pace as long as the operator is able to complete theform. In an embodiment, the scrolling record document may automaticallypause when the operator ceases inputting data. In another embodiment,the document record may automatically resume when the operator resumesinput. In an embodiment, an application loaded into RAM controls thedisplay of the form also stored in RAM. In an embodiment, the display isscrolled from RAM in a continuous manner and displayed to the user in acontinuous manner.

In an embodiment, the input fields automatically transition to the nextfield within the viewable record as the form scrolls in a horizontaldirection. In an embodiment, the input fields automatically transitionto the next field within the viewable record in a vertical direction asthe form scrolls. In an embodiment, the electronic record isautomatically organized to accept operator input data in a mannercorresponding to a hardcopy of the record in a horizontal or verticalorientation. In an embodiment, the user may control the pace of therecord scroll with a voice command, a visual command, a gesture, abiosensor movement or an input device. In an embodiment, the pace of therecord scroll is controlled by an algorithm.

In an embodiment, the fields of the form or electronic document arecompleted by a plurality of operators. In an embodiment, each of theplurality of operators is an expert on a specific potion of the form. Inan embodiment, each form is completed sequentially, by a plurality ofoperators. In an embodiment, the selection of operators for theplurality of operators is selected based on individual operatorparameters or objective criteria.

In an embodiment, the operator's movements are monitored to control themovement of the form, including stopping the movement, pausing themovement, continuing the movement, slowing the speed movement,increasing the speed the movement, or the like. In an embodiment, theoperator's eye movements control the movement of the form. In anembodiment, the operator's head movements control the movement of theform. In an embodiment, the operator's hand movements control themovement of the form. In an embodiment, the operator's gestures controlthe movement of the form.

In an embodiment, a plurality of operators have discreet systemsnetworked together allowing them to operate as users on an assemblyline. In this embodiment, the form, which is stored in a centralizedmemory location, will pass from a first system to a second discreetsystem down the line. In an embodiment, the form will appear to movehorizontally across the screen as though on a conveyer belt. In anembodiment, the systems do not require to be physically in proximity toeach other but may be distributed across a network. In an embodiment,work completed by an operator may be buffered prior to distribution to anext operator. In an embodiment, each operator works at their ownrespective speed and workflow is buffered between operators. In anembodiment, a centralized repository of RAM temporarily stores the formand form segments and allows them to be scrolled out to a specificoperator in a continuous manner.

In an embodiment, head movements, eye tracking, or gestures, controlsthe work flow and speed of the document scrolling on the screen. In anembodiment head movements, eye tracking, or gestures can change or varythe speed and flow of the document segments. In an embodiment, if anoperator looks away from the screen, it can slow down or pause thescreen. In another embodiment, if the operator makes a head gesture thework flow scroll speed can vary. In another embodiment, if the operatorfocuses on a specific location or point on the display, the speed of thework flow scroll may vary. In an embodiment, certain areas of thedisplay are associated with specific command instructions which controlthe characteristics of the work flow scroll, such that when the operatorlooks or focuses on such areas, the work flow responds accordingly.

In one embodiment, a method for increasing data input and efficiency ina client server network comprises receiving, via an input device coupledto a processor executing an application, a memory, and a display with adisplay area, a selection of an electronic form comprising a pluralityof input fields, from an electronic form data store, whereby theelectronic form is loaded into a volatile memory of the client servernetwork; determining, via the application executed by the processor,that the electronic form has an associated viewable area that is largerthan the display area; automatically segmenting, via the applicationexecuted by the processor, the selected electronic form into a series ofsegments corresponding in size to the display area; streaming, via theapplication executed by the processor, to the display of the inputdevice from the volatile memory, the series of segments of theelectronic form in a continuous stream in a direction from a left sideof the display to a right side of the display, wherein the series ofsegments are available to receive input associated with the plurality ofinput fields as the series of segments stream across the display;receiving, via the application executed by the processor, inputsassociated with the plurality of input fields during the streamingutilizing the input device; and upon receiving the inputs associatedwith the plurality of input fields, continuously storing, via theapplication executed by the processor, the inputs associated with theplurality of input fields as part of the electronic form in the volatilememory.

In another embodiment, a method for increasing data input by a pluralityof operator input devices in a networked environment comprisesreceiving, by one of a plurality of networked operator input devices,via a selector device coupled to a processor of the operator inputdevice executing an application, a selection for an electronic formcomprising a plurality of input fields, from an electronic form datastore, the electronic form comprising a plurality of input fields, eachof the networked operator input devices comprising a processor executingan application and a display having a display area; loading, by one ofthe plurality of networked operator input devices, the selectedelectronic form into the electronic form data store accessible by theplurality of operator input devices; determining, by one of theplurality of networked operator input devices, that the electronic formhas an associated viewable area that is larger than the display areas ofthe plurality of the networked operator input devices; segmenting, byone of the plurality of networked operator input devices, the selectedelectronic form into a series of segments corresponding in size to thedisplay areas of the plurality of networked operator input devices towhich the segments are to be streamed; simultaneously streaming by oneof the plurality of networked operator input devices, to at least one ofthe plurality of networked operator input devices from the memory, theseries of segments of the electronic form in a continuous stream in adirection from a left side of the display area to a right side of thedisplay area, wherein the series of segments are available to receiveinput associated with the plurality of input fields as the series ofsegments stream across the display area; and when each segment of theseries of segments approaches the right side of the display area of anetworked operator input device, streaming, by another one of theplurality of networked operator input devices, each segment from a leftside of the display area, wherein each segment is available to receiveinput associated with the plurality of input fields as the series ofsegments stream across the display area.

In yet another embodiment, a method for increasing data input by aplurality of operator input devices assigned to a plurality of operatorsusing intelligent input devices in a networked environment comprisescollecting, by an operator input device, gesture data sensed by thetracking module of the operator input device, the operator input devicebeing one of a plurality of networked operator input devices, eachoperator input device comprising a processor executing an application, adisplay having a display area, and the tracking module; receiving, bythe operator input device, via a selector device coupled to theprocessor of the operator input device, a selection for an electronicform comprising a plurality of input fields, from an electronic formdata store of the networked operator input devices, whereby the selectedelectronic form is loaded into the electronic form data store accessibleby the plurality of networked operator input devices, whereby theelectronic form is simultaneously streamed to the plurality of networkedoperator input devices in a continuous stream; upon determining, by theoperator input device, that the electronic form has an associatedviewable area that is larger than the display area of the operator inputdevice, segmenting, by the operator input device, the selectedelectronic form into a series of segments corresponding in size to thedisplay area of the operator input device to which the segments are tobe streamed; during a stream of the selected electronic form on thedisplay of the operator input device and while the electronic form isdisplayed as moving from a first side of the display to a second side ofthe display, determining, by the operator input device, whether thegesture data provides instructions for manipulating the display of theelectronic form on the operator input device; and pausing, by theoperator input device, the stream of the electronic form on the displayof the operator input device when the instructions for manipulating thedisplay based on the gesture data indicate that an operator associatedwith the operator input device is looking away from the display.

In another embodiment, a system for increasing data input by a pluralityof operator input devices assigned to a plurality of operators usingintelligent input devices in a networked environment comprises anetwork; an electronic form data store communicatively coupled to thenetwork; a plurality of operator input devices communicatively coupledto the network; each operator input device comprising a processorexecuting an application, a display having a display area, a selectordevice, and a tracking module; each operator input device configured to:collect gesture data sensed by the tracking module of the operator inputdevice, receive via the selector device coupled to the processor of theoperator input device, a selection for an electronic form comprising aplurality of input fields, from the electronic form repository, wherebythe selected electronic form is loaded into the electronic form datastore accessible by the plurality of networked operator input devices,whereby the electronic form is simultaneously streamed to the pluralityof networked operator input devices in a continuous stream; upondetermining that the electronic form has an associated viewable areathat is larger than the display area of the operator input device,segment the selected electronic form into a series of segmentscorresponding in size to the display area of the operator input deviceto which the segments are to be streamed; during a stream of theselected electronic form on the display of the operator input device andwhile the electronic form is displayed as moving from a first side ofthe display to a second side of the display, determine whether thegesture data provides instructions for manipulating the display of theelectronic form on the operator input device; and pause the stream ofthe electronic form on the display of the operator input device when theinstructions for manipulating the display based on the gesture dataindicate that an operator associated with the operator input device islooking away from the display.

Numerous other aspects, features and benefits of the present disclosuremay be made apparent from the following detailed description takentogether with the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure can be better understood by referring to thefollowing figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily toscale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles ofthe disclosure. In the figures, reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the system, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of thesystems and methods for inputting data in electronic forms according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary form, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4C are a series of segments of the form of FIG. 3 parsed into acontinuous string of horizontal forms, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5A-5C is an illustration of segmented form scroll options inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment for scrolling and completingan electronic form according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an embodiment for scrolling and completingan electronic form according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of anembodiment of the systems and methods for inputting data in scrollingelectronic forms according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an embodiment for scrolling and completing ascrolling electronic form according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the steps for assembling a form,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a data input engine in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary computing device in which oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure may operate, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present disclosureincluding a sensor control device.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present disclosureincluding a sensor control device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is here described in detail with reference toembodiments illustrated in the drawings, which form a part here. Otherembodiments may be used and/or other changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Theillustrative embodiments described in the detailed description are notmeant to be limiting of the subject matter presented here.

Systems and methods for controlling work flow input into forms andanalyzing, partitioning, segmenting, streaming, inputting, and saving ofdata and forms are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods may beimplemented by users in interaction with computer systems. In one ormore embodiments, the computer systems may include a data input enginewhich may include any number of software tools running on any number ofcomputing devices where the computing devices may communicate using anynetwork infrastructure. Examples of computing devices may includepersonal computers, tablet devices, and mobile phones, among others.Examples of network infrastructures may include intranets, personalnetworks, local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN) such asthe internet, storage area networks (SAN), virtual private networks(VPN), wired or wireless networks, and the world wide web, amongstothers.

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a network environment according tothe present disclosure. An environment 10 includes a network 104, a useror operator input device 100, a database 101, and a server 102.

Network 104 includes a plurality of nodes, such as a collection ofcomputers and/or other hardware interconnected by communicationchannels, which allow for sharing of resources and/or information. Suchinterconnection can be direct and/or indirect. Network 104 can be wiredand/or wireless. Network 104 can allow for communication over shortand/or long distances. Network 104 can operate via at least one networkprotocol, such as Ethernet, a Transmission Control Protocol(TCP)/Internet Protocol (IP), and so forth. Network 104 can have anyscale, such as a personal area network, a local area network, a homearea network, a storage area network, a campus area network, a backbonenetwork, a metropolitan area network, a wide area network, an enterpriseprivate network, a virtual private network, a virtual network, asatellite network, a computer cloud network, an internetwork, a cellularnetwork, and so forth. Network 104 can be and/or include an intranetand/or an extranet. Network 104 can be and/or include Internet. Network104 can include other networks and/or allow for communication with othernetworks, whether sub-networks and/or distinct networks, whetheridentical and/or different from network 104. Network 104 can includehardware, such as a network interface card, a repeater, a hub, a bridge,a switch and/or a firewall. Network 104 can be operated, directly and/orindirectly, by and/or on behalf of one and/or more entities,irrespective of any relation to Input device 100, database 101, and/orForms data server 102.

Operator Input device 100 operates a computer, which can be a hardwareand/or software server, a workstation, a desktop, a laptop, a tablet, amobile phone, a mainframe, a supercomputer, a server farm, and so forth.The computer can be operated, directly and/or indirectly, by and/or onbehalf of a user of input device 100. The computer can be touchscreenand/or non-touchscreen. The computer can include and/or be part ofanother computer system and/or cloud network. The computer can run anytype of operating system (OS), such as iOS™, Windows™, Android™, Unix™,Linux™ and/or others. The computer can include and/or be coupled to amouse, a keyboard, a camera, whether forward-facing and/or back-facing,an accelerometer, a touchscreen, and/or a microphone, and/or an outputdevice, such as a display, a speaker, and/or a printer. The computer isin communication with network 104, such as directly and/or indirectly.Such communication can be via a software application, a mobile app, abrowser, an OS, and/or any combination thereof. The computer can includecircuitry for global positioning determination, such as via a globalpositioning system (GPS), a signal triangulation system, and so forth.The computer can be equipped with near-field-communication (NFC)circuitry.

Database 101 can be a hardware and/or software server stored on acomputer, a workstation, a desktop, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone,a mainframe, a supercomputer, a server farm, and so forth. The servercan be operated, directly and/or indirectly, by and/or on behalf ofDatabase 101. The computer can be touchscreen and/or non-touchscreen.The computer can include and/or be part of another computer systemand/or cloud network. The computer can run any type of OS, such as iOS™,Windows™, Android™, Unix™, Linux™ and/or others. The computer caninclude and/or be coupled to an input device, such as a mouse, akeyboard, a camera, whether forward-facing and/or back-facing, anaccelerometer, a touchscreen, and/or a microphone, and/or an outputdevice, such as a display, a speaker, and/or a printer. The computer isin communication with network 104, such as directly and/or indirectly.Such communication can be via a software application, a mobile app, abrowser, an OS, and/or any combination thereof. The computer can includecircuitry for global positioning determination, such as via GPS, asignal triangulation system, and so forth. The database 101 can be arelational database, a flat file, an organized database a series ofdatabases and may contains user and/or account information, medicalrecords, financial records, personnel records, criminal records, taxrecords, and any other historical records. Database 101 may beimplemented in standard memory or volatile or non-volatile memory.

Server 102 operates a computer, which can be a hardware and/or softwareserver, a workstation, a desktop, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone, amainframe, a supercomputer, a server farm, and so forth. The computercan be operated, directly and/or indirectly, by and/or on behalf of auser. The computer can be touchscreen and/or non-touchscreen. Thecomputer can include and/or be part of another computer system and/orcloud network. The computer can run any type of OS, such as iOS™,Windows™′ Android™, Unix™, Linux™ and/or others. The computer caninclude and/or be coupled to an input device, such as a mouse, akeyboard, a camera, whether forward-facing and/or back-facing, anaccelerometer, a touchscreen, and/or a microphone, and/or an outputdevice, such as a display, a speaker, and/or a printer. The computer isin communication with network 104, such as directly and/or indirectly.Such communication can be via a software application, a mobile app, abrowser, an OS, and/or any combination thereof. The computer can includecircuitry for global positioning determination, such as via GPS, asignal triangulation system, and so forth. The computer can run adatabase, such as a relational database, which contains userinformation.

Input device 100 is in communication with network 104, such as direct,indirect, encrypted, unencrypted, and others. Input device 100 is inselective communication, such as direct, indirect, encrypted,unencrypted, and others, with at least one of the database 101 and/orthe server 102 via network 104.

Input device 100 can be associated with a user and/or a legal entity,such as an organization, a company, a partnership, and/or others.Database 101 is in communication with network 104, such as direct,indirect, encrypted, unencrypted, and others. Database 101 is inselective communication, such as direct, indirect, encrypted,unencrypted, and others, with at least one of input device 100 andserver 102 via network 104. The Database may also be a server or seriesof servers or an application or series of applications runningautonomously on computers or servers.

Server 102 is in communication with network 104, such as direct,indirect, encrypted, unencrypted, and others. Server 102 is in selectivecommunication, such as direct, indirect, encrypted, unencrypted, andothers, with at least one of input device 100 and database 101 vianetwork 104.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system architecture for a datainput system, according to an embodiment. In FIG. 2, data input system200 may include database or memory 202, database or memory 204, databaseor memory 206, input engine 208, user interface 210, operator devices212, 214, and 216, and communication networks 218 and 220. Data inputsystem 200 may additionally include one or more of servers (not shown inFIG. 2) having the necessary hardware and software to implement any ofthe aforementioned system components that require implementation viasuch necessary hardware and software, among others. It should beunderstood that data input system 200 can include less components, morecomponents, or different components depending on the desired analysisgoals.

In some embodiments, databases or memories 202, 204 and 206 areimplemented as a single database or as a series of databases stored on aserver (not shown) using database management systems (DBMS). Examples ofsuch DBMS include MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Microsoft SQL Server,Microsoft Access, Oracle, SAP, dBASE, FoxPro, IBM DB2, LibreOffice Base,FileMaker Pro and any other type of database that organizes collectionsof data. In an embodiment, 202, 204 and 206 may be any standard memorydevice or storage, including volatile and non-volatile. Examples ofnon-volatile memory are flash memory, ROM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROMmemory. Volatile memory such as dynamic RAM, DRAM, fast CPU cache memory(static RAM, SRAM). In an embodiments, data input engine 208 isimplemented as computer hardware and software including any number ofcomponents required for running a desired set of applications, includingany number of processors, random access memory modules, physical storagedrives, wired communication ports, wireless communication ports, and thelike. In these embodiments, data input engine 208 is a computer softwarepackage that manages form segmentation, continuous scrolling of forms,temporary storage of form segments, and data input and storage. In anembodiment, data input engine 208 may be implemented on a thin clientserver or a local computer. In an embodiment, data input engine 208 isresident in RAM or other transient memory. In an embodiment, data inputengine 208 may run from a centralized repository of RAM. In anembodiment data input engine 208 may be accessed simultaneously bymultiple users.

In some embodiments, databases or memories 202, 204, and 206 storeinformation related to users, entities, products, or any other type ofdata stored in a database. In these embodiments, the information storedwithin database 202-206 may be derived from internal and/or externalsources. In an embodiment, database 206 may constitute a database thatcomprises combinations and compilations of data stored in otherdatabases 202-204. In another embodiment, databases or memories 202,204, and 206 store forms and/or data. It is to be understood thatdatabases 202, 204 and 206 may be physically unique and separatedatabases or memories or may be parts of a single physical database ormemory. In another embodiment, databases or memories 202, 204, and 206may be a shared cache of RAM.

In some embodiments, users may interact with system 200 via operatordevices 212-216. Operators 1-n may interact with one or more componentswithin system architecture 200 via user interface 210. Examples of suchcomputing devices include personal computers, tablet devices,workstations, input terminals, and mobile phones, amongst others. Inother embodiments, user interface 210 is configured to allow users212-216 to interact with data input engine 208 in accordance withmethods of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, a selected form maybe chosen from database 202 and stored in RAM by data input engine 208.In an embodiment, an application or client may also be stored in or bydata input engine 208 or may be stored in the operator's input device212-216. Once a form is resident in memory, data input engine 208 mayprepare the form for scrolling by segmenting the form based on a displayparameter. Once formatted the form is streamed to operator input device212. In this manner, the segmented form may continuously flow across theuser's display. As the form scrolls, each field may be populated by theoperator. Field selection may occur based on any number of parameterssuch as a prior field is completed. Fields may be populated based on ahierarchical criteria. Fields may be populated consecutively andautomatically directed to the next field on related fields or fields maybe populated based on position, relative to the top of the display,bottom of the display, leading edge or trailing edge of the display. Aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the order and priorityfor populating the series of displayed fields will vary based on theform content and layout.

As the form scrolls on the operator's display, the input data may besaved back into the associated RAM locations or may be directed to analternative temporary storage location such as an associated inputrecord. As the first form segment completes, the second segment will bestreamed to the operators display in a seamless transition betweensegments. In an embodiment, a message to the operator indicating theprogress or other criteria may be inserted between segments. Othercontent may include, words of encouragement, instructions to speed up, adaily log or record, or any other information. Once the form iscomplete, and all the fields are input, the form, populated with data,may be saved in memory as any standard file type.

In another embodiment, the segmented form may be simultaneouslyallocated by data input engine 208 to multiple operators 212-216, whereeach operator is tasked with inputting data only into a specificsegment. In such an embodiment, data input engine 208 acts as thecentral repository and houses RAM for the segmentation and storage ofthe segmented form. In an embodiment of the multi-operator, thesegmented forms may scroll continuously across the displays of thedifferent operators, wherein each operator is displaying a differentportion of the form at the same time. In this manner, operator 1 may betasked with completing fields 1-20 and operator 2, fields 21-30, etc. Asthe form begins to scroll, operator 2 may not see any form untiloperator 1 has completed fields 1-20. Once operator 1 completes fields1-20, either a new form begins or operator 1's task is complete. Onceoperator 1 completes fields 1-20, the segmented form is streamed ontooperator 2's display where operator 2 begins to input fields 21-30. Inan embodiment, the system can dynamically monitor the completion of thefields in each segmented form. The streaming to operator 2 can occurautomatically as the fields in the previous segment are completed byoperator 1 or can occur in response to an operator command.Additionally, and/or alternatively, operator 1 and 2 see the formsimultaneously, but operator 2 can not input data into the segmentintended for operator 1. Operator 2's portion would therefore become“live” only when segment 2 (fields 21-30) are displayed on the screen.Like streaming, operator 2's portion can be become live automatically asfields in operator 1's portion are completed, or it may become live inresponse to an operator's command. Additionally, and/or alternatively,in an embodiment, once an operator has completed their assigned segment,a new form is presented for completion. It will be understood, thereforethat an operator can not move on to the next form unless and until theprior operator completes their segment of the assigned form.

FIG. 3 illustrates a typical electronic form in accordance to thepresent disclosure. Form 301 may comprises fields 302 and text areas303. Form 301 may also comprise other non-active and interactive regionssuch as pictures, diagrams, graphs, charts, etc. Form 301 may compriseany number of fields 302 and text areas 303. Fields 302 my be textfields, data fields, alphanumeric fields, image fields or any other typefield. Area 304 represents the displayable area for an operator device212-214. As seen in FIG. 3, not all fields would be viewable to theoperator as form 301 is larger than area 304. As illustrated,displayable area 304 may comprise fields 302 and text areas 303 as theyappear on the form.

FIGS. 4A-4C represent the various portions of form 301 aftersegmentation in accordance with the present disclosure that an operatormay see. In an embodiment, form 301, after being loaded into volatilememory such as RAM, is segmented based on the display size and otherdisplay related criteria into display size segments 301A-301C. In anembodiment, segmentation may also be based on the number or density offields per segment. Once segmented, and stored in RAM, which allowsalmost simultaneous access to the segmented from. The segmented form isstreamed to the operator's display in a continuous scroll. The streamingof the segments allows the data elements to be made available overtimein a sequential fashion, rather than in batch fashion.

Each segment 301A-C may comprises input fields. Beginning with segment301A, the operator might fill in fields 1 and 2 as the displaycontinuously scrolls in the direction of the arrow 401. As the segmentscrolls from 301A to 301B to 301C, successive fields appear on theoperator's display. An operator using operator input device 212-216 maycomplete the fields with the appropriate data until all successivefields are completed. In an embodiment, the segments continuously scrollat a pace adequate to allow the operator to input the data. In anembodiment, the segment scroll pauses from one segment to the next untilall visible fields within the segment are completed. In anotherembodiment, all segments scroll vertically. In an embodiment, thesegments scroll both horizontally and vertically to ensure completecoverage of the form. In an embodiment, the segments are realigned forthe operator such that they appear to scroll either horizontally orvertically, regardless of the actual form orientation or layout.

In one embodiment where the segments appear to scroll horizontally, asegment appears on a left side of a display and moves to a right side ofthe display. A fully viewable segment may appear on the left side andmove to the right side. Alternatively, a partially viewable segment mayappear on the left side, then become fully viewable and continue to moveto the right side. Although this embodiment recites a movement from leftto right, it is intended that the segment can move from right to left,top to bottom, or bottom to top. As the segment streams across thedisplay, the input fields of the segment are available for the operatorto input into the input fields.

The networked operator input devices can synchronize the streamingamongst the networked operator input devices such that when the segmentmoves to the other side of the display, that segment is prompted tobegin streaming on another networked operator input device, such thatthe inputs in the input fields of the segments displayed on the firstnetworked operator input device are shown, indicated, or stored for thesegments then displayed on the second networked operator input device.In order to synchronize the various operator input devices, thecontinuous stream of segments from one operator input device to anotheroperator input device can comprise a set of instructions that identifiesthe next operator input device to display a particular segment after itis shown on a display of an operator input device.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict some embodiments of segmentation scroll movementthrough forms that exceed the viewable area of the operator's display.Arrows 500 depict the segmentation movement through a form. As will beappreciated by one skilled in the art, despite the physical attributesof a particular form, the appearance of movement to an operator may besame. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, a segment of the form moves fromthe left to the right. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, a segment of theform moves from the top to the bottom. In the example shown in FIG. 5C,the segment of the form moves from left to right in a top row, thenmoves from left to right in a bottom row. In each of these examples,additional segments may follow the segment if the segment does notutilize the entire display.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment 600 for a single operator input into asegmented form in accordance with the present disclosure. At 602, theoperator selects the appropriate form. At 604, if the form is such thatit is completely displayable on the operator's display, the operatorinputs the data. In an embodiment, the form is deemed not to fit thedisplay if as shown (e.g., resized) on the screen the form becomesillegible, the fields cannot be populated, or the form extends beyondthe displayable area. If at 604, the form does not fit the display, itis divided by the input data engine at 606 into segments based oncriteria associated with the operator's display. Other criteria may alsobe used, such as operator's skill set and abilities, which may have beenpreviously evaluated based on past input history; density of fields,complexity of fields, etc. Each segment can comprise a displayable area,and can include field and text areas as they appear on the form. At step608, the form, which has previously been stored in volatile memory isreadied for streaming. At step 610, the segment to be displayed andscrolled is selected and at 612 the segment is streamed to theoperator's display in a horizontal or vertical direction. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, each segment may be associatedwith a generated reference number. Each segment may also not have beenhorizontally or vertically adjacent to the prior segment, but maynonetheless be displayed to the user as such. At step 614, the operatorinputs the data into the fields as they are displayed. In an embodiment,the operators cursor automatically transitions from field to field aseach one is completed. In another embodiment, the operator may controlthe input cursor location using a traditional input device such as amouse, a track ball, a touch pad, a touch screen, or a stylus. Inanother embodiment the operator controls cursor position using a handgesture, a head movement, an eye movement or some other input inconjunction with a sensor.

At step 616, as data input engine 208 manages the program, it determinesif the field is at the display boundary. If at step 619 the filedreaches the display's boundary, and the field has been completed, thenthe segment continues to scroll. If however, at step 618 it isdetermined that a field has reached the boundary without beingcompleted, then at step 620 the scrolling is paused so that the operatorcan complete the field. Once the empty field is completed, at step 622the segment will continue to scroll. At step 624, the data is eitherwritten into the field and stored back in volatile memory or may bestored in a record within volatile memory with an identifier to aspecific field. At step 626, data input engine 208 determines if thereis a subsequent segment, and selects the next segment for scrolling. Atstep 628, the completed form may be saved as any known fled type, suchas PDF, TIFF, or JPEG.

FIG. 7 illustrates the steps for segmenting forms in accordance with anembodiment 700 of the present disclosure. At step 702, the operatorselects the appropriate form. The form may be selected using a selectiondevice, such as a mouse, keypad, keyboard, stylus, touchscreen, voicecommand, or the like. At 704, data input engine 208 determines if theform fits within the viewable region of the display. If the form exceedthe display boundaries, then at step 706, the data input engine 208determines if it is both the length of the form as well as the width ofthe form that exceeds the boundaries. If the form exceeds the displayalong both axis, then at step 708, the form is reconfigured for layoutin a horizontal display. The reconfiguration is invisible to theoperator but may be up and down in a column like fashion or from side toside as illustrated in FIG. 5. If the form exceeds the size in only onedirection, then it is determined at steps 710 and 712 which directionexceeds the display parameters and the form is segmented accordingly atstep 708. At step 714, the form is segmented into segments 1, . . . , n.At step 716 the first segment is streamed and automatically scrolls inthe horizontal direction at step 718. At step 720, when the segmentcompletes, if it is not the last segment, the next segment will streamat step 722. If it is the last segment, the form is completed at 724 andsaved to memory at 726.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the form itself doesnot need to be physically segmented and stored as segments in memory,but it must be formatted to fit within the display parameters of theoperator's display in a continuous scrolling fashion.

FIG. 8 illustrates a multi-operator system 800 in accordance with thepresent disclosure. System 800 comprises forms data server 801, memory802, network 803, operator inputs devices 804 a-n, data input engine 808and user interface 810. Data server 801 may be a dedicated server forhousing forms or may be part of a larger system or server used formultipurpose applications. Forms server 801 may also be part of theoperator input device 804 or may be directly coupled to operator inputdevices 804. Memory 802 may be any volatile or non-volatile memory,although volatile memory that allows almost real time access to datafrom any memory location is required. Memory 802 may be a centralizedreposition of RAM or other volatile memory. Memory 802 may be a standalone system or may be part of a larger system or server including formsserver 801. In an embodiment, memory 802 was coupled to network 803 andaccessible to users 804. Network 803 may be any size network, includinga LAN, WAN, intranet, extranet or the internet. Operator input devices804 a-n may be a simple input device or dumb input terminal coupled to aclient or may be a standalone computer or server. Input devices 804 a-ncan be the same device or different devices. Data input engine 808 isimplemented as computer hardware and software including any number ofcomponents required for running a desired set of applications, includingany number of processors, random access memory modules, physical storagedrives, wired communication ports, wireless communication ports, and thelike. In these embodiments, data input engine 808 is a computer softwarepackage that manages form segmentation, continuous scrolling of formsegments, temporary storage of form segments, and data input. In anembodiment, data input engine 808 may be implemented on a thin clientserver or a local computer. In an embodiment, data input engine 808 isresident in RAM or other transient memory. In an embodiment, data inputengine 808 may run from a centralized repository of RAM. User interface810 is configured to allow users 804 a-n to interact with data inputengine 808 in accordance with methods of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates system 900 for using multiple operators to input datainto a single form in a continuous flow. In an embodiment, multipleoperators using user input devices 804 a-n select a form. At step 904,it is determined that the form needs to be reformed as a series ofmultiple segments to be displayed in a continuous flow for theoperators. In an embodiment, the continuous flow or scroll of the formappears on all operator devices simultaneously, despite the fact thateach operator is responsible for only a portion of the form. In anotherembodiment, different form segments are streamed simultaneously todifferent operators. In yet another embodiment the form flowscontinuously from a first operator to a second operator when the firstoperator has completed his/her input. This is similar to an assemblyline, wherein the operator at the second station receives a componentonly after the operator in the first station has completed their task.In this manner, the sequential flow of segments is managed by data inputengine 808. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, becauseoperators perform tasks at different rates, form segments may need to bebuffered between operators to ensure that an operator does not lose dataif the “assembly line” backs up. In an embodiment, at step 906, an ID isassociated with each form segment. This allows for tracking of metricdata as well as allows data input engine 808 to recompile the continuousform with the correct data. As a form segment is completed, the datawill be repopulated into the form so that when the last operatorcompletes their segment, the form is completed. As will be understood,the form streaming and the simultaneous streaming of different segmentsto different operators relies on the data stored in memory 802 and datainput engine 808.

At step 908, data input engine 808 identifies the number of segment andat step 910 allocates a segment to a different operator or multiplesegments to an operator. As will be understood, segment allocation maybe based on a previously determined objective quality criteria,availability, skill, random or sequentially. In this way, data inputengine 808 can maximize or optimize the form flow rate based on theavailable operators and their respective skill set. In an embodiment,segment assignment was dynamic and updateable even during the course ofform streaming. At step 912, a segment of the form is streamed to eachoperator for completion.

At step 914, the operator assigned to a particular segment inputs therequired data in the streaming field and at 916, data input engine 808determines if the segment is complete. If the data input for a segmentis complete, the data is stored at step 918 with the associated segmentID. The use of the segment IDs allows for the final compilation of theform. At step 920, a segment counter is incremented indicating that datainput engine 808 is ready to stream the next segment. In an embodiment,this was done when individual operators had more then one assignedsegment to complete. At step 922 the system determines if the form iscomplete and if it is, a new record with the same form may beginstreaming at step 924 additionally and/or alternatively, the same recordwith a different form may be streamed.

FIG. 10 illustrates the compilation or population of the input data intothe form for storage in a multi-operator environment. At 1002, all thepreviously input data is retrieved from the memory 802 based on thesegment record ID. At 1004, the retrieved data is populated into theassociated form and at step 1006, the form is saved in its final format.In an embodiment, the form is saved as jpeg, PDF, TIFF or any otherstandard file format. It is to be understood, that the form appears as acompleted form and not simply as a data record.

FIG. 11 depicts a system in accordance with the various embodiments ofthe present disclosure including data input engine 808. Data inputengine 808 includes I/O module 1106 segment assignment module 1108,streaming module 1110, segment logging module 1112 form sizing module1114 and display sizing module 1116. I/O module 1106 couples to network803 to facilitate communications between operator input device 804 anddata input engine 808. I/O module 1106 can facilitate any form ofdigital communications including, but not limited to packet,synchronous, asynchronous, parallel, serial, and over a wired orwireless connection. Once an operator selects the proper form, formsizing module 1114 determines if the form requires segmentation fordisplay. Display sizing module, 1116 determines the maximum segment todisplay to a particular operator based on the operators input device804. In an embodiment, if multiple operators are working on the sameform, display sizing module 1116 must account for different displaydevices and segment the form accordingly. Segment assignment module 1108may assign single or multiple segments to a single operator or aplurality of operators based on a criteria. The criteria may includeavailability, proficiency with a specific type of data, speed, etc.Streaming module 1110 controls the streaming of the segments to thevarious operators and may be able to manage multiple forms and operatorssimultaneously. Segment logging module 1112 may determine when segmentsare completed and may monitor operator performance and availability. Itis to be understood more or less functions may be managed by the datainput engine 808 and that data input engine 808 may be distributed on asingle computer or server or across multiple computers or servers. Datainput engine 808 may be implemented in hardware or software or acombination of both.

FIG. 12 illustrates a computing device that may be used in the presentsystem or method. In FIG. 12, bus 1202 is in physical communication withI/O device 1204, communication interface 1206, memory 1208, storagedevice 1210, and central processing unit 1212. Bus 1202 includes a paththat permits components within computing device 1200 to communicate witheach other. Examples of I/O device 1204 include peripherals and/or othermechanism that may enable a user to input information to computingdevice 1200, including a keyboard, computer mice, buttons, touchscreens, voice recognition, and biometric mechanisms, and the like. I/Odevice 1004 also includes a mechanism that outputs information to theuser of computing device 1000, such as, for example a display, a lightemitting diode (LED), a printer, a speaker, and the like.

Examples of communication interface 1206 include mechanisms that enablecomputing device 1200 to communicate with other computing devices and/orsystems through network connections. Examples of network connectionsinclude connections between computers, such as, for example intranets,local area networks (LANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), wide areanetworks (WANs), the Internet, and the like. Examples of memory 1208include random access memory 1008 (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flashmemory, and the like. Examples of storage device 1210 include magneticand/or optical recording medium, ferro-electric RAM (F-RAM) hard disks,solid-state drives, floppy disks, optical discs, and the like. In oneembodiment, memory 1208 and storage device 1210 store information andinstructions for execution by central processing unit 1212. In anotherembodiment, central processing unit 1212 includes a microprocessor, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmableobject array (FPOA), and the like. In this embodiment, centralprocessing unit 1212 interprets and executes instructions retrieved frommemory 1008 and storage device 1210.

According to some aspects of this embodiment, computing device 1200 isimplemented as part of a server, and/or a data input engine, and thelike. Examples of these implementations include servers, authorizedcomputing devices, smartphones, desktop computers, laptop computers,tablet computers, PDAs, another type of processor-controlled device thatmay receive, process, transmit digital data, and the like. Additionally,computing device 1200 may perform certain operations that are requiredfor the proper operation of system architecture or the data inputengine. Computing devices 1200 may perform these operations in responseto central processing unit 1212 executing software instructionscontained in a computer-readable medium, such as memory 1208.

In one embodiment, the software instructions of components systemarchitecture are read into memory 1208 from another memory location,such as storage device 1210, or from another computing device 1200(e.g., a database, a memory and the like) via communication interface1206. In this embodiment, the software instructions contained withinmemory 1208 instruct central processing unit 1212 to perform processesdescribed in FIGS. 1-11. Alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be usedin place of or in combination with software instructions to implementprocesses described herein. Thus, implementations described herein arenot limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry andsoftware.

In an embodiment, operators may control the scroll of the forms orsegmented form using gestures, ocular, head, and expressive feedback.Such operator feedback may me controlled by hand gestures, headmovements, eye movements or other motions from the operator. In anembodiment, the motion may be controlled by simple speech commands. Aswill be understood, an operator may look to the next field and thesystem might monitor that eye movement to know that the operator isready to fill in the next field. In another embodiment, the operator maygaze at a specific area of the display which is interpreted by thesystem as an instruction to speed up or slow down the scroll. In anembodiment, the system may be keyed to both eye and head movements fordifferent instructions. Gross head movements may result in menu changesor form changes, whereas eye movements may control finer behavior likespeed up or slow down. In an embodiment, hand gestures might bemonitored, such as finger pointing, finger swiping, etc. All of thesemay be monitored by a camera or other optical device or sensor forinterpretation by the system for instructions.

FIG. 13 illustrates system hardware 1300 that may be used for gestures,ocular, head, and expressive feedback monitoring in accordance with thedescribed embodiments. System 1300 for use in the present systemincludes user device 1310, external device 1330, such as the data inputengine of the present invention, user 1332, and server 1340 which may bethe forms server, or may house the data input engine. User device 1310further includes user device bus 1312, processor 1314, input/outputdevice 1316, user interface 1318, memory 1320, storage device 1322, userdevice interface 1324, eye-tracking sensor 1326 and expression or motionor gesture sensor 1328. Server 1340 further includes server bus 1342,processor 1344, input/output device 1346, memory 1348, storage device1350, and server interface 1352. In some embodiments, system hardware1300 can include additional, fewer, or differently arranged componentsthan those illustrated in FIG. 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, user device 1310 is electronically coupled toand in bi-directional communication with server 1340, and server 1340 iselectronically coupled to and in bi-directional communication withexternal data source 1330. In some embodiments, user device bus 1312 iselectronically coupled to and in bi-directional communication withprocessor 1314, input/output device 1316, memory 1320, storage device1322, user device interface 1324, tracking sensor 1326 and motion sensoror gesture sensor 1328. In these embodiments, user interface 1318 isrendered by input/output device 1316. Further to these embodiments, userinterface 1318, tracking sensor 1326 and expression or motion or gesturesensor 1328 are configured to interact with user 1332 and receivebehavioral information from the user 1332. In these embodiments, userdevice bus 1312 includes a path that allows components within userdevice 1310 to communicate with each other. Yet further to theseembodiments, server bus 1342 is electronically coupled to and inbi-directional communication with processor 1344, input/output device1346, memory 1348, storage device 1350, and server interface 1352. Inthese embodiments, server bus 1342 includes a path that allowscomponents within server 1340 to communicate with each other.

In an embodiment, processor 1314 is implemented as computing hardwarecomponent including a central processing unit able to carry outinstructions to perform one or more instructions associated with userdevice 1310. In certain embodiments, processor 1314 can include amicroprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable object array (FPOA), and the like. Further, processor1314 interprets and executes instructions retrieved from memory 1320 andstorage device 1322. In an embodiment, processor 1314 is configured tointerpret and execute instructions associated with the operation of userdevice 1310. In these embodiments, processor 1344 is implemented as anycomputing hardware component including a central processing unit able toexecute instructions to perform one or more actions associated withserver 1340. Still further to these embodiments, processor 1344 caninclude a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a field programmable object array (FPOA), and the like. In theseembodiments, processor 1344 interprets and executes instructionsretrieved from memory 1348 and storage device 1350. In an embodiment,processor 1344 is configured to interpret and execute instructionsassociated with the operation of data input engine, a form server and atracking module.

In some embodiments, input/output device 1316 is implemented as acomputer hardware component that includes peripherals and/or othermechanisms that may enable a user to input information to user device1310, including keyboards, computer mice, buttons, touch screens, voicerecognition, biometric mechanisms, and the like. In these embodiments,input/output device 1316 may be further configured to include one ormore mechanisms for outputting information to user 1332, such as, forexample displays, light emitting diodes (LEDs), printers, speakers, andthe like. Further to these embodiments, input/output device 1316 isimplemented to include a computer hardware component able to output datato user 1332 via textual and/or graphical content, such as RSVP text,images, videos, audio, and the like. In these embodiments, input/outputdevice 1316 is further configured to provide content by rendering thecontent onto user interface 1318 and to receive input from user 1332 viauser interface 1318.

In some embodiments memory 1320 is implemented as a computing hardwarecomponent that allows the storage and manipulation of data duringoperations carried out by processor 1314. Memory 1348 allows the storageand manipulation of data during operations associated with servercommunication, tracking, and/or data processing. Examples of memory 1320and memory 1348 include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory(ROM), flash memory, and the like.

In some embodiments, storage device 1322 is implemented as a computerhardware component that allows the storage and retrieval of dataassociated with running one or more modules and executable versions ofthe one or more modules and is configured to store information andinstructions for execution by processor 1314 to control the associatedcomponentry within user device 1310.

In some embodiments, tracking sensor 1326 and/or expression or motion orgesture sensor 1328 is implemented as a computer hardware componentconfigured to track the gaze or movements of user 1332. In theseembodiments, the sensor is an eye-tracking sensor 1326 or an expressionor gesture sensor 1328 that can be implemented as an optical trackingdevice, such as an infrared emitter and camera, a video camera, and thelike. Eye-tracking sensor 1326 and expression or motion or gesturesensor 1328 are configured to be controlled by an eye-tracking sensormodule or motion or gesture sensor module. Further to these embodiments,tracking sensor 1326 and expression or motion or gesture sensor 1328 aresensors that are implemented as a computer hardware component configuredto determine one or more movements or desires associated with user 1332.In these embodiments, tracking sensor 1326 and expression or motion orgesture sensor 1328 can be implemented as a motion or gesture trackingdevice, such as an infrared emitter and camera, a video camera, and thelike. Tracking sensor 1326 and expression or motion or gesture sensor1328 are implemented as a computer hardware component configured totrack the position of the user's eyes, hands and head. In theseembodiments, eye-tracking-sensor 1326 and expression or motion orgesture sensor 1328 can be implemented as a physical tracking devices,such as an infrared emitter and camera, a video camera and the like.

In some embodiments, data input engine 1330 is implemented as a softwareapplication, server, authorized computing device, smartphone, desktopcomputer, laptop computer, tablet computer, PDA, another type ofprocessor-controlled device that may receive, process, transmit digitaldata, and the like.

The system may utilize behavioral feedback based on gestures detected bysensor data to provide an instruction to control the movement of a formon a display area of a display of the operator input device. Forexample, the instruction based on the data may control the display tostop the movement, pause the movement, continue the movement, slow thespeed of the movement, increase the speed of the movement, request a newsegment, request additional information, input data, or the like.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a first exemplary use case forcontrolling a data input system by a user based on behavioral feedback,according to an embodiment. In FIG. 14, use case 1400 includes operatorinput device 1402 and user 1410. In FIG. 14, operator input device 1402includes control display 1404 and content display 1406.

In some embodiments, the gaze of user 1410 can be characterized by firstgaze line 1412 and second gaze line 1414. Use case 1400 can includeadditional, fewer, or differently arranged components than thoseillustrated in FIG. 14.

In some embodiments, operator input device 1402 is implemented as acomputing device configured to: allow for data input on a display of anoperator computing device, collect by a tracking module data of the usersensed by the tracking module, generate a response based on thecollected behavior data, and control the display on the operatorcomputing device.

In an embodiment, operator input device 1402 is configured with acontrol display area 1404 and is implemented on at least a first portionof an operator's interface associated with the operator's device 1402and configured to display content or forms. Content display 1406 isimplemented as a primary portion of an operator's interface associatedwith user device 1402 and is configured to display content such as formswhich may be controlled and manipulated by control display 1404. Userdevice 1402 may be equipped with eye-tracking or motion sensors.

In operation, user device 1402 displays the form. In some embodiments,operator input device 1402 monitors the behavior of user 1410 in orderto generate behavioral control data. In an embodiment, a tracking sensormodule (not shown) controls a tracking sensor and track the movements ofthe user 1410 in order to generate behavioral data, and provides thegenerated sensor data to the tracking module. In some embodiments, userdevice 1402 responds to the command by adjusting or managing the formscroll on the display 1404 based on the behavioral data. Further to thisembodiment, behavioral data is the gaze of user 1410 which ischaracterized by first gaze line 1412.

In an embodiment, the behavioral engagement data can be assigned avalue, a command, or an instruction. Further, the length the user's gazeis directed toward an item or away from the user interface may result inan instruction criteria. For example, if the user is gazing at area ofdisplay 1404 for more than one second, the user may wish to pause thescrolling or may wish the scrolling to speed up by a factor of 2 or 4.In another example, if the user is gazing away from area 1404 for morethan one second, the user may be requesting a new form. In anembodiment, this threshold value may be set at one second, but any timeperiod can be used. In an embodiment, when the value is above athreshold value, the system can query for additional user input.

In an embodiment, behavioral data is gesture data and the contentprocessing module can assign a state of the user based upon the gesturedata. In this embodiment, state is again associated with the formcontrol that is being displayed when the gesture data is captured. Thegesture sensor data is analyzed to determine whether any micro-gesturesare associated with a particular state, such as a nod, a shake, or afinger movement.

In an embodiment, user device 1402 may detect that user 1410 looks awayfrom the content display 1406 and towards control display 1404, ascharacterized by second gaze line 1412. In these embodiments, thegenerated behavioral data is used by user device 1402 to determine thatthe user wishes to view some other information.

In some embodiments, user device 1402 proceeds to pause the display ofcontent on display 1406. In these embodiments, as user 1410 viewscontent on display 1406, user device 1402 may analyze the behavioraldata and detect that user 1410 is seeking instructional input. Furtherto these embodiments, user device 1402 may then proceed to pause theform display on 1406 and seek input from the user on display 1404.

In an example, user 1410 is processing a life insurance policy form. Inthis example, the information is displayed to user 1410 via display1406. As user 1410 process the form, user device 1402 observes user 1410and determines that user 1410 is looking to control the display 1402. Inthis embodiment, user device 1402 may generate supplemental instructionsfor display or may respond directly to the behavioral control.

The systems and methods described herein can address a problem withoversized forms that cannot be fully displayed on a screen. Inparticular, the process monitors the size of the selected form to becompleted and compares it to the displayable area of the operator inputdevice. When the form is too large to legibly display as a whole on thedisplayable area of an operator input device, the system segments theform into segments sized to fit the displayable area of the operatorinput device. Each segment may contain fields and text areas. In anembodiment, the system will detect where the fields areas to populateare located on the selected form, and the segments will be limited tothose areas containing those fields and only the immediate surroundingtext. The segments are sized according to the displayable area of thedestined operator input device, and then sent to that operator inputdevice to allow that operator to view and if necessary to fill in theappropriate information in one or more fields.

Avoiding the need to resize the image at the operator input device alsoprovides the advantage of achieving greater efficiency when operatingthe input device by way of a tracking sensor and/or an expression ormotion or gesture sensor. By consistently providing the operator with alegibly viewable image of the relevant portion of the form withoutrequiring the operator to resize or search the image for the appropriatesection, the operator will not be distracted or have to strain to readthe relevant portion of the form. This can avoid unnecessary actions bythe operator such as motion of the eyes, heads, or hands, or making of afacial expression that would otherwise be either necessary or eveninvoluntarily taken by the operator and that could trigger a trackingsensor and/or expression or motion or gesture sensor. Avoiding theseactions, can allow for more proficient use of the tracking sensor and/orexpression or motion or gesture sensors in the operator input device andthus increase the operator's activity without interruption of thecontinuous flow of data input.

The system can dynamically monitor the completion of the fields in eachsegment. The segmentation of the form can be limited to occur only whenthe form cannot fully be legibly displayed on the displayable area.Segmentation also allows to efficiently provide the relevant portions ofthe form to automatically become available as a legible image on theintended displayable area of an operator input device. In an embodiment,the portions of an oversized form that does not require action by theoperator can be left out of the segments and not forwarded to anoperator input device.

As the segment of a form is streamed it can be acted upon, for example,the fields appearing on a segment of a form can be populated by anoperator. As the fields are populated, the segment of the form on thedisplayable area can continue to stream and be replaced by a anothersegment of the same form or of a different form. For example, in anembodiment, the next segment may be the next portion of the form thathas fields to be populated. In an embodiment where different users aretasked to fill out assigned fields appearing on different forms, thenthe segments can be distributed to the various operators based on thefields contained therein.

The segment of the form with populated fields, in the meantime, can beretrieved and the entered data can be populated into a continuous formor the completed segments can then recompiled into a continuous form.

None of these steps can be performed by the human mind, or by a humanusing a pen and paper. Instead, the system and method are necessarilyrooted in computer technology to overcome a problem specifically arisingin the operator interfaces. By permitting the fields and text areas tobe dynamically segmented and streamed in accordance with the displayableareas of the operators input units where they will be viewed, theability of the system and method to display the information from theselected form and interact with the operators are improved. Moreover, inembodiments where different segments are streamed to different operatorinput devices, the systems and methods described herein also allow foran improved process where multiple users can view the respectiverelevant portions of the same form in a seamless process.

The systems and methods described herein, also improve the computing anddata entry efficiency involved in reviewing and completing forms thatare oversized for the available displayable areas of the operator inputdevices. By segmenting the form to the size of the displayable area andstreaming only the segment to a given operator input device, it ispossible to greatly reduce the amount of memory, network and processingcapacity necessary to send, receive, download, and display the relevantportion of the form at an operator input device. This can increase thespeed at which an operator input device can process the information andthus the speed at which an operator can view and complete the relevantportions of a form. For example, in an embodiment where different fieldsof the same form are to be completed by different operators, thesystem's ability to dynamically synchronize the distribution of thesegments of each form to different operator input devices can greatlyincrease efficiency at the operators' end who can concentrate only onthe portion they view as well as from the computing perspective whereless data is being streamed to each operator input device as opposed tostreaming the full form each time. Moreover, with the system segmentingthe form as described, the segments of the same or different forms canbe loaded sequentially as desired at each operator input device, forexample, to complete each field. This can allow for a left to rightscroll that can lead to increased efficiency from the operator'sperspective. This can also increase efficiency by providing a continuousstreaming of data by, for example, automatically allow inputting ofinformation from one field to the next within each segment and toautomatically scroll from one segment to the next as the fields arepopulated.

The foregoing method descriptions and the interface configuration areprovided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to requireor imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed inthe order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the artthe steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order.Words such as “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the orderof the steps; these words are simply used to guide the reader throughthe description of the methods. Although process flow diagrams maydescribe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operationscan be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order ofthe operations may be re-arranged. A process may correspond to a method,a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a processcorresponds to a function, its termination may correspond to a return ofthe function to the calling function or the main function.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, andalgorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosedhere may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, orcombinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability ofhardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules,circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms oftheir functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented ashardware or software depends upon the particular application and designconstraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans mayimplement the described functionality in varying ways for eachparticular application, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the presentinvention.

Embodiments implemented in computer software may be implemented insoftware, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware descriptionlanguages, or any combination thereof. A code segment ormachine-executable instructions may represent a procedure, a function, asubprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a softwarepackage, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures,or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another codesegment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information,data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments,parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via anymeans including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, networktransmission, etc.

The actual software code or specialized control hardware used toimplement these systems and methods is not limiting of the invention.Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and methods weredescribed without reference to the specific software code beingunderstood that software and control hardware can be designed toimplement the systems and methods based on the description here.

When implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or moreinstructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable orprocessor-readable storage medium. The steps of a method or algorithmdisclosed here may be embodied in a processor-executable software modulewhich may reside on a computer-readable or processor-readable storagemedium. A non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable mediaincludes both computer storage media and tangible storage media thatfacilitate transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Anon-transitory processor-readable storage media may be any availablemedia that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and notlimitation, such non-transitory processor-readable media may compriseRAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible storagemedium that may be used to store desired program code in the form ofinstructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computeror processor. Disk and disc, as used here, include compact disc (CD),laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, andBlu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, whilediscs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the aboveshould also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as oneor any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on anon-transitory processor-readable medium and/or computer-readablemedium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedhere may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown here but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and theprinciples and novel features disclosed here.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for increasing data input and efficiencyin a client server network comprising: receiving, via an input devicecoupled to a processor executing an application, a memory, and a displaywith a display area, a selection of an electronic form comprising aplurality of input fields, from an electronic form data store, wherebythe electronic form is loaded into a volatile memory of the clientserver network; determining, via the application executed by theprocessor, that the electronic form has an associated viewable area thatis larger than the display area; automatically segmenting, via theapplication executed by the processor, the selected electronic form intoa series of segments corresponding in size to the display area, eachsegment having at least one input field of the electronic form;streaming, via the application executed by the processor, to the displayof the input device from the volatile memory, the series of segments ofthe electronic form in a continuous stream in a direction from a leftside of the display to a right side of the display where at least twosegments within the series of segments are simultaneously displayed onthe display of the input device, wherein each segment within the seriesof segments is available to receive input associated with the pluralityof input fields as the series of segments stream across the display;receiving, via the application executed by the processor, inputsassociated with the plurality of input fields during the streamingutilizing the input device; upon receiving the inputs associated withthe plurality of input fields, continuously storing, via the applicationexecuted by the processor, the inputs associated with the plurality ofinput fields as part of the electronic form in the volatile memory; anddisplaying, via the application executed by the processor, a messagebetween at least two segments, the message comprising a completionstatus of the plurality of input fields based on the inputs received. 2.The method of claim 1 wherein the streaming segments of the electronicform appear to be moving in a horizontal direction.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein a fully viewable segment of the electronic form appearson the left side of the display and moves to the right side of thedisplay.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the segments are streamed inan order based on a criteria.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the rateof streaming increases or decreases based on the rate inputs arereceived.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein saving the stored inputs aspart of the electronic form further comprises recompiling the segmentsinto a continuous electronic form.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising associating an ID to each segment.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein saving the stored inputs as part of the electronic form furthercomprises recompiling the segments into a continuous electronic formbased on the associated ID.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein saving thestored inputs as part of the electronic form further comprisespopulating the electronic form based on the received inputs.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein each segment comprises at least on field andone text area as they appear on the electronic form.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein segmenting the selected electronic form into segmentsresults in the exclusion of at least one text area of the electronicform from the series of segments.
 12. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising dynamically monitoring completion of the input fields andautomatically streaming the segments as the input fields are completed.13. The method of claim 1, wherein streaming each segment requires lessdata to be transmitted than what would be required for streaming theelectronic form.
 14. The method of claim 1, further comprisingautomatically transitioning an operator cursor from one input field toanother as the plurality of input fields are completed.
 15. The methodof claim 1, wherein streaming the segments of the electronic formcomprises scrolling the segments across the display area.
 16. The methodof claim 15, further comprising automatically transitioning an operatorcursor from one input field to another as a segment scrolls across thedisplay area.
 17. The method of claim 1 wherein a partially viewablesegment of the electronic form appears on the left side of the display,the partially viewable segment becomes a fully viewable segment, and thefully viewable segment moves to the right side of the display.